Hey, doesn't she look great even after 40?.... every women like to hear this appreciation. But many of them fail to fight the effects of aging due to their life style, tension related to their home and office, several diseases etc. After 40, the estrogen level in a woman's body start to reduce and this causes the onset of several diseases. During this period women are more prone to heart and bone diseases. They are also at high risk for other diseases and conditions like blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and mental depression. Have a look at the different diseases which are likely to appear after 40.
 Heel pain is generally the result of placing too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it. It is usually felt at the bottom of your heel and is often worse in the morning because of stiffness that occurs overnight. Overweight women are six times more likely than overweight men to get plantar fasciitis due to the higher level of fat deposits on their body. Overuse and too much stress to the feet are the primary contributors to having a painful heel. Wearing shoes with little cushion and hard surfaces, lack of flexibility in the calf muscles, sudden injury, a change or increase in activity are the other causes for this illness. Medication along with proper rest and applying ice on the painful area are the best way to treat this disease. Stretching exercises are also helpful to prevent heel pain. People who have diabetes, circulation problems, or arthritis are advised to pay special attention to their feet.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis is related to aging. As we age, Cartilage, a slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they meet to form a joint, break down and eventually looses away. This leads to friction between the bones and thus generate pain, swelling and loss of joint flexibility. After 40, osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease occurs more frequently in females. People with diabetes may be more prone to osteoarthritis. The most commonly affected joints are those at the ends of the fingers (closest to the nail), thumbs, neck, lower back, knees and hips. This can be diagnosed through physical check up and X-ray. There is no known cure for osteoarthritis, but treatments can help to reduce pain and maintain joint movement. Using ice or heat on the painful joint is found helpful for the pain. Reducing your weight is the best treatment to cure your arthritis if you are overweight.
Cervical cancer or cancer of the cervix is an abnormal growth of malignant (cancer) cells in the cervix. It is the second most common cancer in females and it is successfully curable in the early stages. Cervical cancer occurs most commonly between 40 and 55 years of age.
The cervix is the opening of the uterus connected to the upper vagina. It is known as the neck of the uterus. The lower end of the cervix has an opening called the external os, and before childbirth it is about 5mm in diameter. It dilates to 10cm during labour to allow for childbirth and never regains its former shape, changing to a slit approximately 7mm long. Normally the cervix is pink in colour but turns bluish in pregnancy because of an increased blood supply.
Rheumatoid diseases
Rheumatoid diseases covers more than a hundred disorders including Spondylitis, Gout, Osteoarthritis etc. and are most common. It affects women three times more often than men. These diseases are charecterized by inflammation and loss of function of joint capsules , ligaments, bones and muscles. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness etc. Some rheumatic diseases can also involve internal organs. Laboratory tests and clinical findings help make the diagnosis and point toward a definitive treatment plan. Stretching exercises and physiotherapy are more effective. Surgery is advised in the case where the disease occurs in the knee.
Irregular Periods
Women entering perimenopause ( the stage when your body begins its transition into menopause ) often have irregular periods due to an imbalance of progesterone hormone that upsets their menstrual cycle. But if it happens regularly, it should be evaluated by a medical practitioner. Stress, diet, change in routine and worry are some of the factors that affect your menstrual cycle. In a few people irregular periods can be an indication of diseases like cancer. The commonest cause of infrequent periods is a condition called polycystic ovaries. Being under or over weight can also cause missed or irregular periods. Due to heavy bleeding one may feel tired and look pale. If you experience extreme cramping, heavy period bleeding, dizziness, nausea or fainting, you should visit a doctor.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids or uterine myomas, are non cancerous tumors or growths, made up of muscle cells and other tissues that grow within the wall of the uterus (or womb). It affects more than 30% of women aged above 35. The fibroid can grow as a single growth or in clusters and vary in its size from an apple to a grape fruit. Most fibroids do not cause symptoms, and do not require treatment. If symptoms like heavy bleeding, prolonged cyles, bleeding between menstrual periods, painful periods, difficulty to urinate etc occurs, it may require treatment. Fibroids can be felt during a pelvic examination. Laparoscopy, hystereoscopy, scanning etc can also detect the fibroids. Surgery is the best way to remove fibroids other than medications if you are suffering from severe symptoms.
Osteoporosis
It is a condition in which the amount of bone mass decreases to the point where the bones are fragile and easily fractured, affecting twice as many women as men. Women are particularly at risk as they have a lower density of bone, because of smaller body size than men. The risk increases for those who have a premature menopause, early hysterectomy, previous anorexia nervosa etc. Also women who smoke or drink excessively are at greater risk. Weight-bearing exercises, a diet rich in calcium, Vitamin D and other minerals, and not smoking, can help prevent bone loss. Hormone replacement therapy is the most effective preventive treatment but is not suitable for all women. Physiotherapy and acupuncture can help to relieve pain. Osteoporosis can be detected by doing a Bone Density Test.
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